Grasshopper Cheesecake Bars

Looking for a dessert that’s a perfect blend of creamy, minty, and utterly indulgent? Grasshopper Cheesecake Bars are here to steal the spotlight! Imagine a smooth, velvety cheesecake filling with a refreshing burst of mint, all resting on a crisp, chocolatey crust. These bars are every bit as delicious as they sound—refreshing, decadent, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or simply treating yourself, these cheesecake bars will become an instant favorite. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these!

Why You’ll Love Grasshopper Cheesecake Bars

Irresistibly Creamy

The cheesecake filling is rich, smooth, and incredibly creamy, making each bite melt in your mouth. The hint of mint adds a refreshing twist that takes these bars to a whole new level.

Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of mint and chocolate in these bars is a classic one—and for good reason. The chocolate crust pairs perfectly with the minty filling, creating a satisfying contrast in every bite.

Easy to Make

With a simple crust and an easy-to-make cheesecake filling, these bars are surprisingly easy to put together. You don’t have to be a professional baker to impress with this dessert.

Make-Ahead Friendly

These bars need a little time in the fridge to set, which makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prep them a day or two in advance, saving time on the day of your event or celebration.

Crowd-Pleasing

From mint lovers to cheesecake fans, these bars are bound to please everyone. They’re a great way to impress guests with minimal effort!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: The foundation of the crust! These cookies give a rich, chocolatey base with the perfect amount of crunch.
• Butter: To help bind the crust together and add richness.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The star of the filling! It provides that signature creamy, smooth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens up the cheesecake while balancing out the flavors.
• Eggs: Helps set the cheesecake filling to perfection.
• Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and richness, balancing out the sweetness of the sugar.
• Vanilla Extract: For a hint of warmth that pairs perfectly with the mint.
• Mint Extract: The minty flavor that gives these cheesecake bars their signature fresh kick.
• Green Food Coloring: Totally optional, but it adds a fun pop of color to the filling!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Make the Crust:

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a food processor, pulse the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. Stir the crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, making sure it’s evenly spread. Bake for 10 minutes and then set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

2. Mix the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat until combined.
3. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Add the Rest of the Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, mint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring (if using). Mix until the filling is well-combined and smooth.

Assemble the Bars:

5. Pour the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled chocolate cookie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
6. Bake: Bake the cheesecake bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when shaken gently. The edges should look golden, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Chill:

7. Cool & Refrigerate: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then cover them and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to allow the filling to fully set.

Serve and Enjoy:

8. Serve: Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve. For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or garnish with whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 260
Fat per serving: 18g
Carbs per serving: 22g
Sugar per serving: 16g
Protein per serving: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours

How to Serve Grasshopper Cheesecake Bars

Dessert for Any Occasion:

These bars make the perfect treat for a special dinner, potluck, or holiday party. Their minty, chocolatey flavor profile is sure to delight guests of all ages.

Pair with a Drink:

Serve these bars with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a minty cocktail for a fun twist.

Make Them a Special Treat:

Pack them up in a cute box or tin and give them as a gift to friends or family. These cheesecake bars are a great way to show someone you care!

Additional Tips

Don’t Overmix:

Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake filling once you add the eggs. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which could lead to cracks in the cheesecake as it bakes.

Room Temperature Ingredients:

For the smoothest filling, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing them together.

Chill for Longer:

For the best results, let the bars chill for at least 4 hours. However, if you can wait overnight, the flavors will have even more time to set and develop.

Customize the Crust:

Feel free to get creative with the crust! You can use crushed graham crackers, oreos, or even chocolate wafer cookies to create a different flavor base.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
A1: Yes! While chocolate sandwich cookies work best for the classic taste, you can use any cookie you like. Oreos, graham crackers, or even a mix of chocolate and vanilla cookies would all work well.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! In fact, these bars need time to chill, so making them the day before is a great idea. Just cover them well and store them in the fridge.

Q3: Can I use a different extract instead of mint?
A3: Absolutely! If mint isn’t your thing, you could swap the mint extract for vanilla or chocolate extract, or even hazelnut for a different flavor profile.

Q4: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
A4: Yes! Once they’re fully set and chilled, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Q5: How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
A5: The cheesecake should be mostly set with just a slight jiggle in the center. The edges will be golden, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Q6: Can I make these bars in a larger or smaller pan?
A6: Yes! If you use a larger pan, the bars will be thinner, so adjust the baking time accordingly. If you use a smaller pan, they’ll be thicker, so you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q8: Can I add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling?
A8: Absolutely! Adding mini chocolate chips to the filling would give the bars a fun texture and extra chocolate flavor.

Q9: Can I decorate these bars with whipped cream?
A9: Yes! Whipped cream would be a lovely, light topping. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or mint syrup on top for extra flair.

Q10: Do I need to use food coloring?
A10: Food coloring is optional. It adds a fun, festive touch, but the bars will taste just as delicious without it.

Conclusion

These Grasshopper Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for any mint and chocolate lover! With their creamy, minty filling and crisp chocolate crust, they’re a decadent dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them all by yourself, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

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